Penelope Milford, the acclaimed actress best known for her Oscar-nominated role in the 1978 film Coming Home, has passed away at the age of 77. Milford died on Tuesday in Saugerties, New York, as confirmed by her brother, Doug Milford. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
Milford’s portrayal of Vi Munson in Coming Home earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The film, directed by Hal Ashby, also starred Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, and Bruce Dern, and was set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. It tells the story of a woman who falls in love with a paralyzed veteran, played by Voight, while her husband is away fighting in the war. Despite her compelling performance, Milford lost the Oscar to Maggie Smith for her role in California Suite.
Stage and Screen: A Versatile Career
Beyond her film work, Milford was also celebrated for her stage performances. In 1974, she originated the role of Jenny Anderson in the Broadway musical Shenandoah, which earned her a Drama Desk Award nomination. The musical, adapted from a 1965 film, follows a Virginia farmer’s struggle during the Civil War. Although Milford did not win the award, her performance left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
Milford’s early career saw her performing in New York, where she starred alongside Richard Gere in the Off-Broadway production Long Time Coming And A Long Time Gone in 1971. Her Broadway debut came a year later in Lenny, a play about the life of comedian Lenny Bruce. The production was a success, with lead actor Cliff Gorman winning a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award.
Film and Television Appearances
Milford’s film debut was in Norman Mailer’s 1970 film Maidstone, known for its edgy content. She continued to build her filmography with roles in Valentino (1977), where she played a silent film star, and later in cult classics like Heathers (1988) and Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer (1996).
Her television career included notable performances in the 1980s, such as in the TV play The Oldest Living Graduate alongside Henry Fonda and Cloris Leachman. She also appeared in television movies like Seizure: The Story Of Kathy Morris (1980) and The Burning Bed (1984), the latter earning a Writers Guild of America Award and a Golden Globe.
A Shift to Teaching and Preservation
As the 1980s came to a close, Milford reportedly grew disillusioned with acting. She transitioned into teaching film acting in Chicago and Minneapolis throughout the 1990s, sharing her wealth of experience with aspiring actors.
In 2003, Milford relocated to the Hudson Valley village of Saugerties, New York, where she became an active preservationist. Despite stepping back from mainstream acting, she continued to perform at local theaters, sang with the Bard Symphonic Chorus, and participated in the Woodstock Christian Science Church.
Legacy and Impact
Penelope Milford leaves behind a legacy of diverse and impactful performances across stage and screen. Her work in Coming Home remains a significant highlight of her career, reflecting her ability to portray complex emotional narratives. As an actress, teacher, and community member, Milford’s contributions to the arts and her local community will be remembered fondly.
Her passing marks the end of an era for those who admired her work and were inspired by her dedication to the craft of acting. As the film and theater communities reflect on her achievements, Milford’s influence as a performer and educator continues to resonate.
